Archives For Friends

Girls’ Night.

02.11.13 — 1 Comment

I’m not a fan of The Bachelor. I just don’t understand dating someone who is dating someone else let alone 19 other girls. However, Christal enticed me with lemon bars and the promise of making fun of the criers on the show.

Ridiculous dating show aside, girls’ nights are always fun.

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It’s the place you can crash after a run and you don’t have to worry about changing out of your running clothes – or brushing your hair.

I’ve adopted a “yes man,” mentality lately. This is probably why I agreed to watch such an awful show. Thanks for such a fun night, Christal. (and, send me the recipe for those cupcakes!)

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Bucket List Items 2 & 3. Check

01.29.13 — 10 Comments

Oklahoma Bucket List:
3. Take my Kansas friends on an Oklahoma adventure.
2. Drink a Limey and sign #TeamHaney at The Penny.

It’s strange to me how quickly I’m marking things off this bucket list. At this rate, I’ll have to make an addendum to carry me through until I’m ready to pack boxes!

I made a quick trip to Stillwater this weekend because the ever-so-adorable Jodi and Kelly (both, from Kansas and the reason for No. 3 on the Bucket List) were in town. They’re quality those girls. We stayed true to Stillwater enjoying an extended lunch at Joe’s. Had I been proactive, we’d swung by GIA for ‘hoops. Maybe my heart wasn’t ready to cross that many items off the list?

Instead we brought the rowdy to Joe’s.

Honestly, I should cross this off the list twice because they weren’t the only folks at the table. David Hayden (The carnivore trying veganism for two weeks), Rosie Templeton (Canadian turned Cowboy), and a twitterless Florida Gator held down the table, too.

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Only Kelly could bring more joy to The Penny than a limey.

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This picture is only here for proof. Jodi, I’m so glad you were in the 405. Also, if Feb. 5th rolls around and I talk myself out of upgrading my phone, remind me of this picture. I need that new phone! (obviously for the camera? I realize how silly this is.)

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And, yes, I used my sharpie one more time to leave my mark at The Penny. Haney? No one will even know that was me.

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Big shoes to fill

01.28.13 — 3 Comments

In college I found interviews to be a challenging hobby of mine. I’m weird, I know. This came about because the first time I interviewed for a job I was a nervous wreck. As the aspiring shoe saleswoman at Stillwater’s Shoe Bank, I couldn’t keep my hands from shaking. Bless my recent high school graduate heart.

As part of my over-achieving undergraduate status, I served two years as a Career Liaison. Read as: I edited a lot of résumés and fell in love with mock interviews. It became a game to me. Once, I was even offered a job during a mock interview. Uhg, imagine the discounts had I taken that job with Target!

My senior year, I applied for Homecoming royalty. One of the rounds consisted of round-robin interviews. In each interview for 15 minutes, you faced a firing squad of questions. Honestly, this was one of the best experiences of my life. I was forced to think on my toes, swallow my emotions and showcase any ounce of confidence I was containing.

One interview session was unlike the others. The room was quiet, the words were few and there were no windows. Good thing I’m not claustrophobic. The first question, “What do you do when you’re having a bad day?”

My response was genuine. “Well, I’ve decided when you’re facing a rough day, you must first decide you’re going to turn it around. Your attitude directly influences behavior.”

He wasn’t satisfied.

Channeling what limited knowledge I had of public speaking, I rephrased my response; however, sticking to my same point. It wasn’t a canned answer. To this day I believe it’s a critical piece of character. Deciding you’re going to have a good day is half the battle.

Still, he wasn’t satisfied.

I took a deep breath and smiled. “Sir, I believe what you’re asking me is what I literally do when I’m having a bad day. If that’s the case, I grab my copy of Charade, order pizza and call my best friends to a girls night.”

With that, he was satisfied.

SonicIce_BrookeClayWhere am I going with this? Today, I was randomly surprised with an anonymous gift. Why yes, it is a Route 44 ice water. It was a simple reminder that I have really, really great friends. I’m not having a bad day, but this did remind me that if I were – I have a huge safety net of friends.

North Carolina, you have big shoes to fill when ever I make my way your direction. Fall? Next winter? When ever it is – get ready.

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Back Road to Eischens: Check.

01.27.13 — 3 Comments

Oklahoma Bucket List:
10. Back road to Eischens

With the exception of Manti Te’o’s invisible girlfriend, the internet – blogs and twitter, specifically – have been a great source of networking and friend acquisitions. Wednesday, I traveled to Okarche, Okla., the land of fried chicken and state fair cinnamon rolls with Marek (the girl who makes those lovely state pillows), Nichole (lawyer extraordinaire) and Laura (the creator of the house I want). It’s true, we were all first introduced on Twitter.

It feels wrong to call our excursions a #TweetUp when I refer to these gals as IRL friends. With that said, the feelings I felt while entering Laura’s house Wednesday was nothing short of “creeper.”

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I’ve lived her house restoration and decoration through her blog, The Steen Style. For example, her entry way was perfectly documented in ’10.

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And, this, where I’m standing – is where a wall used to be. Thanks, Marek, for documenting this amazing, creepy discovery.

Although most of our night’s conversations cannot be documented, I can tell you it was one of the best nights I’ve had this calendar year. I mean, it’s possible I want to put my name in the hat for public office someday, therefore granting the privilege of omitting most of our conversation.

Honestly, it was just girl talk, anyhow. How bad could it really have been?

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Holy nachos, Eischens. These should be illegal. My waist line insists.

We put out calorie counting aside and devoured nachos, fried okra and fried chicken.

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Famous for their fried chicken, Eischens is located in Okarche, Okla., which is the definition of small town, Oklahoma.

You must try the chicken. It’s as simple as that. Trust me now, thank me later.

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Marek, who blogs over at Marek’s Musings, is celebrating her last year as a twenty-something with a 30 under 30. Our adventure to Okarche most definetly counts toward her “52 dates with 52 friends.”

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While I was away from Rural Gone Urban, I visited Miranda Lambert’s new boutique The Pink Pistol and discovered a lovely sandwich shop in Wilson, Okla.

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Monday recap.

01.21.13 — 4 Comments

Monday.
Wake up.
Shower.
Remember it’s a day off.
Watch inauguration.

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Hang out with a few folks at Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
Discuss social media, agriculture and Oklahoma.
Reaffirm my love for social media.

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Come home to flowers from the lovely Kelly Rivard.
Gush about orange flowers to everyone.
Watch the best episode of How I Met Your Mother.
Window shop a new Macbook Pro computer on the interwebs.

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Write a Monday recap just to gush about orange roses.
Remember this is the second post in one day.
Turn computer off and hit the hay at 9 p.m.
Monday over

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Just takin’ a few Senior Pics.

01.21.13 — 4 Comments

While in Muskogee this weekend spending quality time with one of my best friends, Stacy, I served as the subject for her lens. Stacy is a girl of many talents ranging from graphic design to photography. Channeling my inner high school senior, I did my best to smile for the camera as Stace tested a few of the backdrops available at their new home.

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She’s pretty talented that friends of mine. If you’re into pictures for your family or maybe even senior pictures – check out her Facebook page for a few more examples.

I added one to that new .com of mine.

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From time to time Stacy even shares 140 on twitter. Consider giving her a follow: @StacyBPearce

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Seriously, she needs to take your next family pictures! She’s just good, man.

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Chaperone like a Champion.

01.20.13 — 1 Comment

Per the obligations of a social media manager, I’m required to work every five or six weekends and manage a few pages. This means a few things. First, I need to access high-speed internet at regular intervals and I must be wearing my customer service happy pants. It’s quite the deal, really.

This weekend I decided I could work just as efficiently from Stacy‘s couch as I could my own and made my way to eastern Oklahoma to see Stacy’s [and her husband's] new house. Stacy’s husband, Cody, and I go way back to my early days as a freshman on Oklahoma State’s campus.

Cody is molding minds as an agricultural instructor and FFA adviser, which translated to me serving as a chaperone at the FFA bonfire.

Yes, this is just as funny to me as it is to you.

As we stood around a bonfire observing high school students discussing their respective drama-filled lives, boys listening to red dirt music and girls wearing their camo – I had a single thought, “am I old enough to be a chaperone?”

Obviously, the answer is yes. I mean, I have a Master’s degree for crying out loud. It’s just that with all the changes that come with growing up I still feel very much like a young adult most of the time.

Maybe that’s the point? Life is all about finding the balance between personal and professional and embracing the joys of life – as random as they appear.

Chaperoning like champions.

Chaperoning like champions.

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Friday night, sans lights.

01.19.13 — 4 Comments

A social media manager’s responsibilities are all encompassing, and on this Saturday morning I find myself up in the 7 o’clocks answering a few questions on various pages. This is customer service at its finest, really. The good news is there are always a few episodes of Boy Meets World or Saved by the Bell in these hours.

To be fair, my rural friends are shaking their heads at my 7 o’clock whining. To many it’s calving season and they’ve been up all hours of the night checking cows. I tip my hat to you, folks.

A good night is easily defined as one with good company, good food and an infinite amount of laughter.

Last night knocked those criteria out of the ballpark.

Your evening is bound to be worthy of a few stars if you start it while listening to Whitney Houston, Biz Markie and Eric Church while applying that extra coat of mascara. Can that be topped? Courtney and I had a serious discussion of putting on our comfiest clothes and watching a movie, or three.

We decided to continue our Friday night in the Plaza District catching up with a few friends at The Mule. That was the plan, anyway.

While walking into The Mule someone exiting looked quite familiar. With the sky already dim, it took a few steps before we had that moment that happens in every random movie.

“Alex? Is that you?”
“Brooke! Omg. What are you doing here!”
“Well, I live here!”

Calm down, people. This isn’t the beginning of some dramatic run-through-the-rain lifetime movie. Alex and I hail from the same small town in Oklahoma and walked the same graduation stage in ’05.

Alex and his brother were headed to Saints – and I tagged along until our table was ready at The Mule. Until well, the mouth-watering grilled cheese called my name. It called to me, creepers. If there was a contest for the best grilled cheese west of the Mississippi – Saints has it on lock.

I’m about to flirt with that line where creativity meets abstract-random and pleads to stay within the boundaries of normal. But, here’s the deal. While boasting about our graduation class, I spotted Marek and Casey playing darts and Courtney and Lindsay walking through the door. Sure, this wasn’t Cheers – but, in that moment it was pretty close.

I felt, for a few seconds, like Oklahoma was saying “It’s okay, Brooke. You’re doing all right here and we’ll always welcome you back.” Hope I didn’t make that weird. Moving on…

Speaking of our graduating class. We graduated with 76 of the most amazing people in the world. We have doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, novelists, photographers, video producers, teachers, models. High five to you, classmates. (Also, if you’re creeping – thanks for that, too.)

Smiles with Lindsay at Grandad's.

Smiles with Lindsay at Grandad’s.

We ended the night playing checkers at one of Oklahoma City’s newest venues, Grandad’s. Yes that’s correct. I asked for board games this year and that’s exactly what happened. The appeal of Grandad’s is that you feel like you’re sitting in your grandparent’s house.

A lovely Friday night, Oklahoma City. You – you’ve got what I need.

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In other news, I’ve been working on a new project: Just a little .com to help with job searching. You know, when we’re ready for that.

In Friends, Life in Oklahoma, Reviews , ,
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Working from home has a lot of perks

01.18.13 — 7 Comments

Working with Bogart CornettWith a title of travel writer and social media manager, I have the flexibility of working from home a few days a week. It’s quite lovely having the ability to stretch the creative capabilities of one’s mind in an atmosphere that is ever changing.

Each week my office differs from my car, the couch, the office (I work with a wonderful group of social media managers) and sometimes a coworker’s couch. Yesterday, I had a meeting in Bricktown and while on my way home to finish a blog post, I decided I should swing by Marek’s and work from her couch. I mean, I was in her ‘hood and all.

From her couch, we were able to brainstorm social media strategies and catch a few episodes of Gilmore Girls.

The creativity of content creation and telling a brand’s story is something that makes my heart flutter like teenager at a middle school dance. Working with like-minded people who understand the importance of social media marketing, who thrive in a creative atmosphere, and have the ability to achieve results are exactly the people I want to surround myself with on a daily basis.

Of course, after a long morning of discussing social media strategy, Marek and I were off to lunch. Her lovely apartment is within walking distance of the Oklahoma City’s newest dining venue ─ Kitchen No. 324.

Holy bacon, Batman. Per my carnivore taste bud’s request, I ordered the Hand Carved BLT (McCabe’s small batch bacon, oven roasted tomatoes, lettuce, avocado mayonnaise, supermarket white.) To be fair there’s not a whole lot I can say about this bacon that won’t warrant the response, “that’s what she said.”

The atmosphere in Kitchen is urban, sophisticated and extremely trendy.  You can catch lunch with a colleague, brunch with the girls and coffee with your main squeeze. I mean, if squeezing is your thing.

The dining venues in Oklahoma City are becoming more spectacular by the season. Known for our unpredictable weather, friendly folks and cowboy kicks – I believe it’s safe to assume we could add dining venues to that list.

Stop by Kitchen No. 324. Your stomach can thank me later.

Kitchen No. 324's BLT.

Kitchen No. 324′s BLT.

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In non-related Rural Gone Urban news:
While wearing my work hat, I discovered a new boutique in Purcell.  

In Reviews, Friends, Life in Oklahoma
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The Patton’s Birthday is Today.

11.12.12 — Leave a comment

Seven years ago I met this girl who we’ll call The Patton. She lived down the hall in Zink and I often found myself sleeping on her couch because walking two doors down to my own dorm room was just too far.

She’s the sort of friend who you can have the most ridiculous fight with and not talk to for months (it’s happened, folks.) and one day she’ll show up with wine and her copy of Breakfast at Tiffanys and things are all better. (For clarification, this has gone both ways.)

I grew up with all boy cousins and there’s a nine year age gap between my next sibling so she’s sort of like my well, she’s just awesome.

If you haven’t been to Stillwater on gameday there’s something I should tell you, there is zero  reception. I’m aware of turning of 3G on your phone, but even then - sketchy.

I knew The Patton would be in Stillwater, but finding her was going to be tricky. See, I forgot to ask where she’d be. Whoops.

Saturday’s perfect day had something truly magical up its sleeve. From three tailgates away – I spotted her.

And, I ran.

Hindsight – that was weird.

Dang. I missed my soulmate.

Today is her birthday.

Also, sadly the only place she’s The Patton is in my contacts. She’s married now so really, she’s The Pearce. Just not as catchy, Stace.

Happy birthday, dude. Hope it’s awesome. Consider this post a placeholder for a day of drinking wine and watching The Golden Girls. Actually, we’ll still do that. 

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